DigitalGlobe launches a geospatial education-focused foundation

Longmont-based DigitalGlobe announced Friday the launch of a foundation that will provide educational grants — including access to imagery, information, expertise and tools — to US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF)-accredited schools.

The DigitalGlobe Foundation is a nonprofit organization designed to foster the next generation of geospatial technology professionals who are in need of resources for their research and skill development. This fits with the company’s field of work, which combines commercial high-resolution earth imagery and observation to develop geospatial solutions.

“The Foundation was established on the belief that we have a unique opportunity to help educate students about the important uses of commercial satellite imagery, and geospatial analytics,” said Mark Brender, executive director of the DigitalGlobe Foundation, in a news release. “From space-based Earth observations comes knowledge and awareness, and from knowledge and awareness comes action to help solve the challenging problems facing humankind.”

The grants will be made to individuals at military and civilian academic institutions. Three Colorado institutions have eligible programs listed as grant recipients: University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Denver and Metro State University of Denver.

In addition, the Foundation is expanding its partnership with USGIF and will provide satellite imagery for curriculum development at USGIF-accredited schools.

“USGIF and the DigitalGlobe Foundation will make for a powerful team in support of the next generation of geospatial intelligence professionals,” said Keith J. Masback, USGIF chief executive, in a news release. “The students in our accredited programs will significantly benefit from the unique access they’ll have to satellite imagery, as well as from the additional curriculum development assistance their schools will receive.”

Laura Keeney writes about aerospace and airlines for The Post. When she's not at work, you can usually find her taking in live music, reading voraciously, or doing something science-related and nerdy. She also loves The Clash ... a lot.

Emilie Rusch covers retail and commercial real estate for The Post. A Wisconsin native and Mizzou graduate, she moved to Colorado in 2012. Before that, she worked at a small daily newspaper in South Dakota. It's the one with Mount Rushmore.